1994-01-24-AC-MIN.pdf - Laserfiche WebLink

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APPROPRIATION COMMITTEE MEETING MONDAY, JANUARY 24, 1994, 5:00 PM COMPTROLLER'S OFFICE Present: G Burnell, C Coughlin, S Nablo, J Pagett, R Souza, C Abbott, M Mairson, P Lapointe, R Borghesani, M O'Sullivan, J Ryan J Young, S Guryan, P Lombard * J Young gave an overview of the major issues facing the school department, specifically the $ 2.6 million shortfall and the current year problem in special education. * Special education problems are not unique to Lexington * Fiscal 1995 gap of $ 3.3 million due to re-opening of Hastings and contractual obligations reduced to $ 2.6 million with $ 700,000 of new revenue from the town * The School Committee will hold a formal public hearing on February 15th * March 1st the School Committee will vote on a budget request to be sent to Town Meeting * J Moynihan will be available to address any brick and mortar questions * General discussion on allocation of space for the LABB program • P Lombard discussed the LABB program, estimates that the cost is half of what it would be if students were placed in private setting. Program assesses a 20% surcharge on students enrolled from outside the district. * S Nablo felt that Lexington has a facilities burden in comparison to other member communities. P Lombard indicated that Burlington HS has a tremendous amount of available space. Bedford currently provides no space. * P Lombard stated that his fiscal 1995 request is in excess of $ 5 million. Approximately 17% of the student population is served by the special ed program. * School department currently seeking Medicare reimbursement for some of the special ed costs, estimated to be approximately $ 130,000. * P Lombard indicted that our special ed enrollment is in line with other communities although S Nablo questioned if those communities were committing 15% of the school budget for those programs. * Current year estimated school deficit will be between $ 400-450,000,all related to special ed. * S Guryan indicated that the school department has curtailed all purchases unless they are absolutely necessary. This policy may be able to recoup approximately 1/3 of the shortfall. School is striving to balance this years budget and would like to be able to use the Medicare reimbursements if allowable. * J Young stated that on January 25th the School Committee will discuss possible cuts and or revenue adjustments in an attempt to minimize the $ 2.6 million